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Planning the timeline and progress of your doctoral dissertation (or Masters/undergraduate thesis)

One of my PhD students lamented this week with me that she had a lot to juggle (taking children to and from schools and to and from activities, etc.) and that she needed a strategy to make her research move forward. I had been planning to write this blog post for a while, since this is the one question I get asked the most by doctoral students (“ how do I plan my unstructured time over the summer ” being the other one).

Do you have one like this but for dissertations? From how to pick your topic to how to plan your chapters or something similar? 🙂 — Mariana Miguélez (@Scherezadda) March 27, 2018

I had to rush to get this blog post done because my student is 2 years away from the deadline her university has imposed for her thesis defence, which is why I sat down with her last night to show her how I do things. I have two other PhD students at exactly the same stage (2 years to defense) so I figured I might as well finish this blog post.

While I’ve suggested that people read one (or more) of the books that I’ve digested myself (check my Writing a Doctoral Dissertation page), one of the main things I teach my students is how to apply backcasting techniques to develop a project plan . I was trained as a project manager, and I worked in that capacity for a number of years, so I understand exactly the kind of work that needs to be done to develop good project plans.

There are a few resources for students, which I mentioned on Twitter earlier today (October 5th, 2018), many of which are listed in the thread that will appear if you click anywhere on the tweet shown below. Thanks to everyone who responded to my query, though I think many of them were professors describing their own process, which is not the same as having a doctoral dissertation (ONE GOAL) to finish in X number of years. My students are doing theirs in the 3 papers’ model, which is a bit closer to the day-to-day life of a professor, but still, the trajectory is quite different. Anyhow, here are some recommendations (click on the tweet to expand the entire thread).

Everyone: one of my PhD students today asked me how to plan her day/week/month/time table. Can you tweet me your process before I tweet/thread mine? Thanks! (I'm off to dinner because I've already written 460 words). — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) October 3, 2018

The core planning strategy I would thus recommend doctoral, masters and undergraduate students is to engage in a combination of Gantt Chart Design and project backcasting techniques .

The Gantt chart is a technique I learned in graduate school when I took project management courses. This is a hypothetical Gantt chart for my doctoral student, covering about 15 months.

Gantt

What I suggested to her was to use backcasting techniques to plan backwards from her goal (PhD thesis defense) to intermediate goals. This post explains how I backcast a project https://t.co/wAmyejeoa0 since her dissertation is a 3-papers one, I suggested she uses that model. — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) October 5, 2018

For Gantt Chart templates, you can see Dr. Emma Sheppard’s here.

Project planning for research students https://t.co/ku7shfB5uL excellent template by @DrESheppard which may be of interest to students from undergrad, Masters and PhD levels. pic.twitter.com/ujQVlYocH7 — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) September 3, 2018

Here is another resource that you can use to create Gantt Charts.

To do Gantt charts you can use Excel or Microsoft Project (which is how I learned to do them), or Visio (which has been bought by the evil company and is now Microsoft Visio). I liked this detailed approach that uses connectors between milestones and tasks https://t.co/xVjNmM1q7c — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) October 5, 2018

Hugh Kearns and Maria Gardiner have lots of resources on their site, and have published books on this as well.

I just realised @ithinkwell and @ithinkwellHugh have excellent FREE templates on their website https://t.co/Q859jNiM6Q for PhD students to plan their trajectories, etc. #PhDChat (thanks, Maria and Hugh!) — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) October 5, 2018

Dr. Patrick Dunleavy’s book “ Authoring a PhD ” is incredible and really does help students who are planning their PhD process. I recommend it to my own doctoral students.

And of course I would be remiss if I forgot to recommend Dr. Ellie Mackin Roberts (my coauthor for a forthcoming book on research planning) and her website. Ellie has A TON of downloadable printables for you to plan your own research. She is fantastic.

Both for doctoral students AND for post-PhD folks, my coauthor Dr. @EllieMackin has an entire website for research planning https://t.co/unXMqmaf2Z she offers FREE downloadable printable templates that you can use to plan your own research. — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) October 5, 2018

In the end, the process I recommended to my students and that I do myself is – set a target defense date and then work backwards and plan tasks, activities, and intermediate goals. For example, I have asked my students to plan submission dates for their 3 papers (to be sent to journals) and then schedule fieldwork and data analysis accordingly. This process has worked well, and I hope my description of the process will help my students and others!

In a subsequent blog post I’ll describe how to go from long-term goals (submit paper X by Y date) to daily tasks. That blog post will definitely apply to doctoral students and post-PhD folks.

If you liked this blog post, you may also be interested in my Resources for Graduate Students page, and on my reading notes of books I’ve read on how to do a doctoral degree.

You can share this blog post on the following social networks by clicking on their icon.

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About Raul Pacheco-Vega, PhD

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time management for phd thesis

Time Management Resources for Graduate Students and Postdocs

Dissertation plan

Completing your dissertation can be overwhelming and stressful. It is a critical period of time to manage time effectively and execute your well-thought-out plans. In this section, we aim to provide some checkpoints or milestones that help you to complete your dissertation in a timely manner:

  • Find out the requirements and deadlines set by the department and graduate school. Having the end goal in mind will help you plan your way to get there.
  • Have the initial meeting with your advisor to discuss the goals of your dissertation and set up an overall timeline. For example, determine when to have the defense, when to send the dissertation to committee, when to send out the schedule poll to committee, etc.
  • Create an outline of the dissertation with sections and subsections for each chapter according to the initial discussion, and map out deadlines for each section.
  • Meet with your advisor to discuss and finalize the outline and roadmap, including what kind of format (by chapters or the whole dissertation) your advisor expects, and how to maintain the line of communication (face-to-face or email) and how often you should communicate, so that you can get support and feedback along the way.
  • Reach out to your committee members to let them know your dissertation plan and schedule the defense date. Ask if they are willing to provide feedback on your drafts.
  • Incorporate the feedback comments and edit your dissertation for submission to your committee for defense.

*You can create a timeline table to help you visualize your plan.

Execution plan:.

  • On your daily schedule, block off a couple of hours when you are most effective for your dissertation writing. Having this specific time block will help you prioritize and fit other tasks around your writing. Stick to the schedule and treat it as your appointment with your advisor or doctor.
  • Limit the distraction during your blocked writing time in order to fully concentrate.
  • Set a daily goal. For example, writing 2 pages each day on chapter 1 or finishing the method session on chapter 2, etc.
  • Find a place that you find yourself most productive and efficient, and write there.
  • Monitor your progress by calendars and project management apps.
  • You are not alone. Find someone who is also writing their dissertation to be your writing buddy to help encourage one another and keep each other on track.
  • Work/life balance (refer to the work/life balance )

https://www.stcloudstate.edu/elhe/_files/documents/dissertation/time-management-tips.pdf

https://sph.umd.edu/sites/default/files/files/StrategiesDissertationCompletion3_8_07.pdf

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Five Time Management Tips for PhD Students

16 th August 2022

Time Management

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Due to the limited contact time you’ll receive during your PhD, you’ll need to motivate yourself and organise your own time efficiently – that is if you don’t want to end up going into your final year with an entire thesis still to write. Time management isn’t easy. This little fact is probably something you learned while studying for your undergrad, and it will almost certainly have been reinforced over the course of your Master’s degree. When you’re studying for a PhD, time management is crucial. However, the good news is that there are plenty of effective time management techniques you can use to keep you on the right track. Have a read through the following to get you started… 

Time management tips

Find a routine.

If you don’t have a daily routine, it may be all too tempting to get into bad habits (like staying up until the early hours and then sleeping in until midday). Set yourself a time to wake up each day, and then do your best to stick to it. This will help you to save time when you might be tempted to dither around in the morning.

Keep a diary

Having a place where you can organise your thoughts, jot down to-do lists and keep a track of upcoming dates is always handy – buy yourself a diary and get into the habit of using it on a daily basis. Having a documented account of your goals can help to make you like you've steadily been achieving milestones, and we all know how satisfying it is to tick things off a list.

Create a 'work space'

Working and not working in the exact same space can make it difficult to disconnect when the time comes to relax, or make it hard to focus when you need to get back to studying. Whether it’s a desk in your room or your university’s library, having a designated place where you can go to work will help you separate your work time from your leisure time.

Setting yourself goals (such completing a chapter of your thesis or organising an academic conference by a certain date) is a great way to organise your time and keep motivated. If you're able to do so, allocate time to certain tasks so you don't get lost in a certain subject or cut short your time on an important assignment.

Give yourself a break

It’s also possible to overwork yourself. If you give yourself a start time of 9 o’clock each day, make sure you also have an end time. That way you’ll have something to work towards and a well-deserved break to look forward to at the end of the day. This is something you can also apply to your year as a whole – don’t be afraid to give yourself a week off every now and then!

Next: Read more about How to Manage Your Time As a Postgraduate Student

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How to tackle the PhD dissertation

Finding time to write can be a challenge for graduate students who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Mabel Ho provides some tips to make the process less daunting

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Writing helps you share your work with the wider community. Your scholarship is important and you are making a valuable contribution to the field. While it might be intimidating to face a blank screen, remember, your first draft is not your final draft! The difficult part is getting something on the page to begin with. 

As the adage goes, a good dissertation is a done dissertation, and the goal is for you to find balance in your writing and establish the steps you can take to make the process smoother. Here are some practical strategies for tackling the PhD dissertation.

Write daily

This is a time to have honest conversations with yourself about your writing and work habits. Do you tackle the most challenging work in the morning? Or do you usually start with emails? Knowing your work routine will help you set parameters for the writing process, which includes various elements, from brainstorming ideas to setting outlines and editing. Once you are aware of your energy and focus levels, you’ll be ready to dedicate those times to writing.

While it might be tempting to block a substantial chunk of time to write and assume anything shorter is not useful, that is not the case. Writing daily, whether it’s a paragraph or several pages, keeps you in conversation with your writing practice. If you schedule two hours to write, remember to take a break during that time and reset. You can try:

  • The Pomodoro Technique: a time management technique that breaks down your work into intervals
  • Taking breaks: go outside for a walk or have a snack so you can come back to your writing rejuvenated
  • Focus apps: it is easy to get distracted by devices and lose direction. Here are some app suggestions: Focus Bear (no free version); Forest (free version available); Cold Turkey website blocker (free version available) and Serene (no free version). 

This is a valuable opportunity to hone your time management and task prioritisation skills. Find out what works for you and put systems in place to support your practice. 

  • Resources on academic writing for higher education professionals
  • Stretch your work further by ‘triple writing’
  • What is your academic writing temperament?

Create a community

While writing can be an isolating endeavour, there are ways to start forming a community (in-person or virtual) to help you set goals and stay accountable. There might be someone in your cohort who is also at the writing stage with whom you can set up a weekly check-in. Alternatively, explore your university’s resources and centres because there may be units and departments on campus that offer helpful opportunities, such as a writing week or retreat. Taking advantage of these opportunities helps combat isolation, foster accountability and grow networks. They can even lead to collaborations further down the line.

  • Check in with your advisers and mentors. Reach out to your networks to find out about other people’s writing processes and additional resources.
  • Don’t be afraid to share your work. Writing requires constant revisions and edits and finding people who you trust with feedback will help you grow as a writer. Plus, you can also read their work and help them with their editing process.
  • Your community does not have to be just about writing!  If you enjoy going on hikes or trying new coffee shops, make that part of your weekly habit.  Sharing your work in different environments will help clarify your thoughts and ideas.

Address the why

The PhD dissertation writing process is often lengthy and it is sometimes easy to forget why you started. In these moments, it can be helpful to think back to what got you excited about your research and scholarship in the first place. Remember it is not just the work but also the people who propelled you forward. One idea is to start writing your “acknowledgements” section. Here are questions to get you started:

  • Do you want to dedicate your work to someone? 
  • What ideas sparked your interest in this journey? 
  • Who cheered you on? 

This practice can help build momentum, as well as serve as a good reminder to carve out time to spend with your community. 

You got this!

Writing is a process. Give yourself grace, as you might not feel motivated all the time. Be consistent in your approach and reward yourself along the way. There is no single strategy when it comes to writing or maintaining motivation, so experiment and find out what works for you. 

Suggested readings

  • Thriving as a Graduate Writer by Rachel Cayley (2023)
  • Destination Dissertation by Sonja K. Foss and William Waters (2015)
  • The PhD Writing Handbook by Desmond Thomas (2016).

Mabel Ho is director of professional development and student engagement at Dalhousie University.

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The demands of a PhD can often feel overwhelming, and it is not uncommon to hear of doctoral students being stressed and overworked. However, this does not have to be your experience. The PhD journey can also be an entirely manageable and pleasurable one if you plan well ahead of time.  

Below are six key steps for ensuring you get everything done on time, while enjoying your PhD.  

1. Accept that you cannot do everything

The first step is to understand and accept that there is no way you can possibly read everything you think you need to read, or do every experiment or piece of fieldwork that you think is essential. A PhD is a finite piece of work and you are not expected to create whole, perfect knowledge that will account for every eventuality. When you accept this and clearly define the parameters of your research, you will find that your reading list and research goals become much more manageable.

2. Establish key milestones  

Some universities schedule assessments (sometimes called progression points) for their doctoral students at specific times in their programme, for example at the end of each year or midway through the PhD. Speak to your supervisor or senior PhD colleagues in your department to find out approximately what needs to be done at each stage.  

For example, find out when you should be doing your fieldwork/data collection, performing analysis or writing your first chapter. Finding out these key points will clarify where you should be at each stage. You can then work backwards to decide what you need to be doing, and when, to meet those milestones.  

3. Break down your to-do list

Technically, what is expected of you in your PhD can be accomplished within the timeframe that you have. It seems like a huge amount of work, but you can begin to lighten the load for yourself by breaking down what needs to be done into smaller manageable chunks.  

Deal with tasks one stage at a time. For example, determine the tasks you need to do for your data collection/fieldwork and allocate specific periods of time for each task. You can then break down these tasks further into a monthly or weekly schedule. By doing this, you’ll feel more confident about what you can practically achieve on a day-to-day basis.

4. Steady wins the race

Know that you do not necessarily have to be working a crazy number of hours, all day every day, to do good research. Some academics recommend working approximately 40 hours a week, as you would for a normal job, but understand that each person has their own way of working and may require slightly more or less at different stages of the PhD.  

More important than trying to clock in a set number of working hours is to work steadily at a pace that suits you best. For example, you may accomplish more by working only four focused hours every weekday, than by trying to do everything at once or forcing yourself to work long hours at the last minute to meet a deadline.  

5. Be realistic

To ensure that you are able to work at a consistent, steady pace, be honest and realistic about your working habits and pace. If you know that it takes you a full day to write 500 words, don’t aim to write a 3000-word essay in two days! You will not only set yourself up to fail but will also create a tremendous amount of pressure on yourself. Your mental health will suffer and the PhD will become something you dread.  

Instead, when planning your working schedule, always give yourself more time than you think you need. This extra time can cover any unexpected issues that may arise and give you more space to work peacefully and steadily. If you finish ahead of time, give yourself some well-deserved time off!  

6. Find time for rest

Although this can often feel counterintuitive, taking time off is one of the best things you can do for yourself in the long term. Forcing yourself to keep working – whether it’s reading another journal or writing another few hundred words – may seem like you’re making progress, but if you are tired and burnt out, you may end up making mistakes or having to redo the work.  

Take a full, regular break from your PhD every evening or weekend to rest and recharge. You’ll find that when you’re rested, you will return to your work with clearer perspectives, more energy and ultimately will be able to accomplish more in less time.

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Productivity and Time Management Tips for PhD Students

Productivity and time management tips for PhD students

One of the things that PhD students across the globe struggle with is productivity and time management. And this struggle is even more profound for PhD students who are also working and have a young family.

I am one of those juggling PhD studies with family, work and other ventures.

So, how should one manage all these conflicting responsibilities without losing their sanity?

The answer lies in effective productivity and time management practices.

In this post, I share a few tips on how to enhance productivity and manage time well that I have learnt along the way.

Enemies of productivity and time management

Before I give tips for time management and productivity, it is important to understand what the barriers are:

1. The need for perfection

If you are like me, then you must have suffered from this illness called perfectionism in any area of your life. In PhD, especially, perfectionism manifests in various ways: wanting to submit a perfect assignment, wanting your proposal to be perfect, wanting your thesis draft to be 100% error-free, etc. Perfectionism holds you back because you keep on doing the same thing over and over again with the hope that the end result will be excellent. As a result, other important tasks suffer and delay in the process. Whereas it is noble to strive for excellence, it is important to understand that a good assignment or proposal is one that has been submitted.

PhD students should therefore give their assignments and writings the best they can give and submit them in good time. This helps them receive feedback on their work in good time, and subsequently they can revise and submit an improved version within a shorter timeframe than if they were striving for perfection.

2. Social media

Social media is all around us, and the platforms keep increasing and becoming more interesting as the years go by. Whereas social media platforms have pros, such as helping us connect with our loved ones and peers, the main downside to them is that they can be such time wasters. The temptation to keep scrolling when you open your Facebook page or when you log in to your Instagram account is too great that it takes such a strong resolve to exit. In most cases, by the time one exits their social media account, two or even three hours are already lost.

Besides social media, email is another great time waster. This is made worse if you have turned on notifications for email and if your email tab is open. It is impossible to avoid the temptation to check an email that has just come into your inbox and to respond to it.

4. Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking entails doing more than one thing at the same time. This is an enemy of productivity and time management because your attention will be divided between the various tasks at hand and will end up either doing a shoddy job on them or failing to complete them within their deadlines.

5. Lack of a plan

A big enemy to productivity and time management is the lack of a plan. Some people go to bed not having a clear plan on how their next day will run. They wake up in the morning and still have no agenda for the day. They operate on “whatever comes my way” basis. The lack of a daily plan holds people back because they will not know how to allocate time to important and non-important tasks, and will therefore end up wasting time in the process.

With this understanding of the greatest enemies of productivity and time management, I next discuss some great tips for boosting productivity and managing one’s time in the most effective and efficient manner.  

Top 10 productivity and time management tips

1. prioritise.

We all have competing tasks, some important, some urgent. To boost one’s productivity and manage time well, PhD students should create a list of their priority tasks, on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. The good thing with priorities is that they are fluid, and keep changing by the day, week, or month.

Creating a list of priorities can help PhD students focus on what’s most important at that particular time, and dedicate less time to other tasks that are not important or urgent.

An example: assuming a full-time PhD student struggling with allocating his time between his various tasks such as reading, writing, taking classes, submitting assignments. If the coursework is the first year of the PhD programme, then his priorities during the first year of his programme should be taking classes, and working on assignments. This does not mean that he will not read papers or write his proposal; he will do them but will not dedicate much time to those tasks in the first year because they are not the most important or urgent tasks. Come second year, the student will now have completed his coursework and can now re-focus his effort and time to proposal writing, which would entail reading many papers and writing out his proposal drafts until he submits and fends his proposal. Come third year, and the focus for the student would now be data collection, analysis and report writing. This example is a clear indication of the fluidity of priorities and the need to focus on what’s important and urgent in any particular season of the PhD journey.

The same applies to PhD students with other competing interests as well such as work and family. They need to know when they should focus on their work, when to focus on their families and when to focus on their studies. This clarity of priorities makes all the conflicting responsibilities a little bit easier to manage.

2. Always start your day right

There is power in completing the most important task first. The task you do first when you wake up should be one that is most important and that brings you the highest value, and sets the right pace for the rest of your day. If you start your day by checking and responding to emails, you are in essence dedicating your most precious time to other people’s agenda, rather than your own. The most important, highest value task will vary by individuals and by the season the individual is in.

For PhD students working on their proposals, the most important and highest value task could be reading journal papers or writing our portions of the proposal. Starting the day with these tasks will not only give the student a sense of accomplishment but it will also clear the way for the student and makes the remaining tasks easier to do.

Tackling the most important, highest value task first thing in the morning should be done consistently until it becomes a habit.

Not only is it important to tackle the most important, highest value task first thing in the morning, it is equally important to work deep.

In the book Deep Work by Cal Newport, he defines deep work as “professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limits” (p.3).

The concept of working deep is highly applicable to PhD studies, where students are expected to make contributions to the body of knowledge. But how does a student make original intellectual contributions when he is working with social media on and in the midst of distractions? This is impossible.

Going deep means locking yourself in a room away from other people, and turning off technological distractions such as mobile phones and just focusing on your work for a given amount of time; this can be as short as 1 hour or as long as an individual’s brain can take it.

Going deep enables a PhD student to have laser focus on the task at hand, be it reading papers or writing bits of a thesis.

4. Set aggressive deadlines for yourself

In my PhD program, it is the norm for students to be given a month to complete coursework assignments. What I have observed is that majority of the students are adrenaline junkies and wait until the very last minute to submit their assignments. An assignment that can be completed in two weeks at most ends up taking a whole month.

What I have found to be useful is to set for myself aggressive deadlines and work with those deadlines. So for a one-month assignment, I set a week or at most two weeks’ deadline to research on it, work on it and upload it on our platform. There is nothing as liberating as completing tasks way ahead of their deadlines. You not only set your mind free from always reminding you subconsciously about the pending assignment but you also free your time to do other important things.

Setting yourself aggressive deadlines forces you to be laser-focused on those tasks and to make better use of your time than more lenient deadlines.

Aggressive deadlines can also be applied to other tasks such as proposal writing, whose timeframe provided by the institution may be as long as one or two years. Be intentional to cut down this time by half or even more, then set to work on the proposal as if your life depends on (and indeed it does). Same case for data collection, writing journal papers, and writing the thesis itself, among other tasks that seem like a mountain for most PhD students.

Setting aggressive deadlines is one of the reasons why some students take 3 years to complete their PhDs while their classmates end up taking even 5 years to complete the same program, yet they started on the same day.

5. Create a to-do list

Keeping your to-do tasks in your head makes one prone to forget some important and not-so important tasks. Your mind will also feel congested with pending tasks.

Free your mind! Jot it all down.

You can use the good old pen and paper method to create your to-do list or you can go the digital way. It does not matter as long as you have one.

A to-do list creates a visual picture of what you are supposed to do each month, week, and day. It’s therefore important to have a to-do list for the month, then break it down into weekly to-do lists and further into daily to-do lists.

This way, your tasks become clearer and less mind boggling.

6. Schedule your tasks

It is one thing to create a to-do list but another thing all together to schedule those tasks.

Use a calendar to schedule your tasks.

It is easy to work on something that has been scheduled than one that does not appear in the calendar.

Use your daily to-do lists to schedule the tasks according to their importance. When you go to bed each night, be clear on what you will do the next day and what time you will do them.

This saves one time that is spent in trying to find what you will do at any particular time.

It will also prevent you from finding and doing less important tasks throughout the day.

7. Use themes to schedule tasks

One strategy that works for some people is the use of themes to compartmentalise tasks and group similar tasks together.

One can use daily themes or time themes.

For daily themes, you can allocate each day of the week for specific tasks e.g. Mondays for reading journal papers only, Tuesdays for writing, Wednesdays for working on references, Thursdays for short courses etc.

For time themes, you can allocate times of the day for specific tasks e.g early mornings for reading, mid-mornings for writing, after lunch for data analysis, early evenings for communication etc.

This strategy reduces distractions and helps one to stay focused on one task on any given day and at any given time.

8. Use dead time to your advantage

Everyone has dead time, which is the time that is lost during the day.

Dead time can be the time we use when we take a shower, when we commute to and from work/school, when we take meals by ourselves etc.

One can use dead time to be more productive by engaging in activities that enhance our productivity.

For instance, rather than scrolling the social media while taking lunch, one can decide to listen to a podcast or an audiobook, practice public speaking, do some stretching exercises etc.

One can also use shower time to meditate, plan for the next day or unwind so as to rejuvenate oneself.

You can also use commute time to read a book (if not driving) or to listen to a motivational speech or audiobook etc.

Dead time is often underestimated but those few minutes each day can add up to hours, days and weeks as the days go by.

9. Consistency is key

You can become better at anything by doing it repeatedly every day.

Same applies to PhD. Many PhD students struggle especially with writing. But you can only become a good writer if you write something every single day.

The more you write, the better you become at it, and the less time it will take you to write in future. This is true for other tasks as well.

PhD students should therefore get in the habit of creating a daily routine for tasks such as reading and writing.

An example that is too common among students is putting off some tasks such as referencing until the last couple of months to dissertation defense. This is a huge mistake and ends up being time-consuming and prone to errors when done this way. It is recommended that referencing (inserting in-text citations and building the reference list) should be done regularly each time a source is read and referenced.

A little each day goes a long way!

10. Take breaks

Your mind, body and soul need breaks throughout the day to rejuvenate.

After every 90-120 minutes, take a short good break.

There are breaks that will boost your productivity and breaks that will dampen it. Learn the difference.

Examples of a good break include: drinking water, eating a fruit, walking around, stretching a bit, taking a power nap etc. These are breaks that build you.

An example of a bad break includes surfing the internet aimlessly, logging into your social media accounts etc. These are breaks that will waste your time and further drain you.

A good break should re-energise you, reset your mind and make you more or as productive as you were before.

Don’t push your body and brain without giving them time to recover; they will not serve you as efficiently as you would like.

Schedule your breaks regularly throughout the day and you will be amazed at how much you will be able to accomplish each day.

It is said that time is a great equaliser; we all have 24 hours in a day.

The difference between successful and unsuccessful people lies mostly in how they utilise their 24 hours.

On the same note, the difference between a productive and an unproductive PhD student is how they use each second, each minute and each hour of their day. If you are a PhD student, implement the strategies and systems highlighted above and you will find your journey to be a bit more manageable.

Related post

How to Create and Use a Gantt Chart for PhD Studies

Grace Njeri-Otieno

Grace Njeri-Otieno is a Kenyan, a wife, a mom, and currently a PhD student, among many other balls she juggles. She holds a Bachelors' and Masters' degrees in Economics and has more than 7 years' experience with an INGO. She was inspired to start this site so as to share the lessons learned throughout her PhD journey with other PhD students. Her vision for this site is "to become a go-to resource center for PhD students in all their spheres of learning."

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11 Proven Time Management Tips for PhD Students

Adela B.

Table of contents

Doctoral students are some of the busiest students on campus. The demands of research, classwork, dissertation defense , and personal obligations can be overwhelming. These demands can escalate quickly and easily develop into stress.

It’s easy to burn out trying to fit everything into your daily schedule. However, time management can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and increase productivity.

What’s the importance of time management for doctoral students?

Doctoral programs are intense and demanding, consisting of extensive research, coursework, and writing projects that require considerable time and effort.

Effective time management helps doctoral students complete all these tasks while maintaining a good balance between work, school, family, and personal commitments. It also helps them avoid stress and burnout while working on their thesis.

In this blog post, we share eleven effective time management strategies for doctoral students like you that will help you stay focused and on track to achieving your goals without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Know your key study milestones and their deadlines

The first step towards effective time management is identifying the key milestones in your study life and when to accomplish them.

Understand when your assignments are due, when you must complete your coursework, research , and writing, and when you need to defend your dissertation.

To accomplish this, you can create a milestone planner. Your milestone planner keeps you on track and identifies any upcoming deadlines. This will help you create a plan for when and how you will accomplish these milestones, ensuring that you stay on track and meet all deadlines.

A milestone planner will save you time, relieve pressure and help you to be more organized.

2. Create a weekly schedule to stay on track

Planning your week in advance will also help you manage your time well. As you enter into a new week, spare time to write down your weekly schedule: Create your work plan, listing all your tasks and setting priorities.

Start by allocating specific times for studying, researching, classes, writing your dissertation, and other important activities.

Also, don’t forget to spare time slots for essential activities such as exercise, social interactions, hobbies, and rest. A weekly schedule will help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and ensure enough time to complete all your tasks.

3. Set realistic daily goals and write a to-do list

Setting realistic daily goals and outlining them in a to-do list is another effective way to stay organized and focused.

Every morning before starting the day, write down the essential tasks you need to accomplish and prioritize them based on their urgency and importance. Prioritizing helps improve focus and ensures that each task has adequate time for effective completion.

Cross off items from your list as you go so you don't forget anything important. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to complete all the tasks you have for the day.

4. Utilize calendars, reminders, and task management apps

In today's technology age, many apps and online tools are available to help you manage your time effectively. These include calendars, reminders, and task management apps that can help you stay focused and remind you of upcoming deadlines or appointments.

These tools can help you schedule your time, set deadlines, and send reminders to complete your tasks. As a result, they can help you stay focused and avoid procrastinating tasks, thus improving your productivity.

Some of the best productivity apps for Doctoral students include

  • Trello and Asana: For effective task management;
  • Todoist and Wunderlist: For creating and managing to-do lists;
  • Toggle and Focus To-Do: For Task planning and time-tracking;
  • Freedom and StayFocusd: or blocking Distraction;
  • Calendly and Google Calendar: or scheduling appointments and setting reminders.

5. Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks

Breaking big tasks into smaller chunks is another proven strategy to help you stay on top of your workload. For instance, instead of tackling an entire dissertation chapter at once, dedicate a few hours of writing to complete a specific section. You can then take a break and come back or the next section.

This technique will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and reduce your stress levels. It will also help you to make steady progress toward your milestones and keep you motivated while at it.

Remember, completing small tasks incrementally will eventually bring down the bigger task without you feeling the pressure.

6. Prioritize tasks by importance and urgency

One of the biggest obstacles to effective time management is trying to do too much at once. To avoid this, always prioritize your tasks based on importance and urgency. Determine which tasks are the most important and urgent and tackle them first.

Urgent tasks are those that require immediate attention, while important tasks are those that align with your long-term goals. By prioritizing tasks, you can focus on what needs to be done first and avoid wasting time on tasks that can wait.

Apps like Trello, Asana, and Todoist can help keep you organized and ensure you make the most of your limited time.

7. Schedule dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks

Once you know your priorities, it’s important to set dedicated blocks of time for accomplishing specific tasks.

For example, allocate a specific time of the day for writing papers, conducting research, reading academic journals, and attending seminars. You can also schedule two hours every morning to write your dissertation or designate Friday afternoons to analyze data.

By scheduling specific blocks of time, you create a routine for your day, which can be very helpful in managing your time. Remember to be realistic about how much time you dedicate to each task and adjust your schedule whenever needed.

8. Schedule breaks for rest and relaxation

Taking breaks is an essential part of effective time management. People who work long hours tend to get tired more easily and lose productivity.

As you create your daily routine, schedule breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge. Whether taking a walk outside, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness meditation, make sure to do something that helps you feel refreshed.

Taking short breaks to rest and relax can recharge your energy levels and increase productivity. Breaks also allow you to assess what you’ve accomplished and plan for what’s pending.

9. Learn to eliminate distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest obstacles to effective time management. From social media notifications and text messages to unnecessary calls, it is easy to get distracted from your work.

The best way to combat distractions is to eliminate them. Once you sit down to accomplish a task, turn off notifications from emails, text messages, social media apps, or anything else that could potentially distract you.

When you start feeling the urge to check your phone or social media, remind yourself that you are focused on your work and will attend to them later.

Alternatively, you can leave your phone in another room to reduce the temptation to check it. You can also install apps or browser extensions that block notifications during designated times, helping you stay focused and on-task.

10. Be flexible and adaptable

No matter how well you plan and organize your day, unexpected events may arise that require flexibility and adjustments. Instead of feeling frustrated and disappointed, learn to adapt to change quickly and be prepared to switch tasks or assignments.

Embrace flexibility as a way of life, creating buffer time whenever possible, and be prepared to adjust if something unexpected arises. This way, you can constantly adjust your schedule to fit the ever-changing demands of your thesis .

However, always be aware of your priorities, so if you switch to another task, it should still be aligned with your main goals and responsibilities.

11. Avoid multitasking

The age-old myth that multitasking is an effective way to complete more tasks in less time is untrue. Actually, multitasking can lead to less productivity and loss of time. It can also lead to more errors and reduce the quality of your work.

As a doctorate student with high demands, try to focus on one task at a time and complete it before starting another.

It can be helpful to use the Pomodoro technique, where you set a timer for 25 minutes, work on one task with complete dedication, and take a small break before moving to the next task. This technique can also help to avoid burnout and keep a clear focus while studying.

Here’s a useful video by Med School Insiders on the Pomodoro technique

Key takeaway

Effective time management strategies are essential to the success of any doctoral student. Even if you’re just getting started, take time to implement strategies that will help you maximize your study sessions and prioritize tasks.

This will prevent you from feeling stressed and overwhelmed down the road or giving up before you finish your Ph.D.

You may also find it helpful to connect with a study group for extra motivation and as a support system. If you use the above strategies to plan and manage your time, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle whatever comes your way as you pursue your higher education goals.

And remember, it is alright to seek help. Writers Per Hour can provide you with the Ph.D. writing help you need. Whether it’s a case study, dissertation, research proposal, or some other assignment, we have professional Doctoral writers for hire who can help you with it.

When you hire a writer from Writers Per Hour, you will receive 100% original, custom-written papers at affordable rates and on time!

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Time Management & Productivity Tools For PhD Students : “What works for you?”

Time Management & Productivity Tools For PhD Students : "What works for you?"

Here are a few possible time management and productivity tools for PhD students:

  • Task management software (e.g. Trello, Asana)
  • To-do list apps (e.g. Todoist, Any.do)
  • Pomodoro technique apps (e.g. Focus To-Do, Tomato Timer)
  • Calendar and scheduling tools (e.g. Google Calendar, Fantastical)
  • Mind mapping and brainstorming software (e.g. MindNode, XMind)
  • Time tracking software (e.g. Toggl, RescueTime)
  • Distraction-blocking apps (e.g. Freedom, StayFocusd)
  • Goal setting and habit tracking apps (e.g. Strides, Habits)

These tools can help PhD students stay organized, focused, and productive as they navigate their studies and research. By using a combination of these tools, PhD students can create a personalized workflow that helps them manage their time effectively and achieve their goals.

Useful Task management Software PhD student

Task Management Software: Streamlining Your To-Do List

As a PhD student, managing multiple projects and tasks can be overwhelming. From conducting research, to writing papers, to participating in class, there’s always something on your plate. To stay organized and productive, it’s crucial to have a system for managing your tasks. And that’s where task management software comes in.

Task management software, such as Trello and Asana, provide a simple and efficient way to keep track of your to-do list and keep your projects organized. Whether you’re working on a team or just trying to stay on top of your personal tasks, these tools are essential for staying productive and getting things done.

Trello is a visual task management tool that allows you to create boards for different projects and organize tasks into cards. You can add due dates, labels, attachments, and even collaborate with team members in real-time. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to rearrange tasks and prioritize your work.

Asana, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive task management platform that also allows you to manage projects and collaborate with team members. You can create tasks, set due dates, assign tasks to team members, and track the progress of your projects. With Asana, you can also create custom workflows and integrate with other productivity tools, such as Google Drive and Slack.

Whether you’re using Trello or Asana, task management software offers a range of benefits for PhD students:

  • Keep track of your tasks: No more losing track of what you need to do! With task management software, you can see all of your tasks in one place, making it easy to prioritize and stay on top of your work.
  • Collaborate with team members: If you’re working on a project with others, task management software makes it easy to collaborate and share updates.
  • Set deadlines and reminders: Keep your projects on track by setting deadlines and reminders. You can also set recurring tasks to help you stay on top of your work.
  • Prioritize your work: With task management software, you can see all of your tasks in one place and prioritize your work based on importance and deadline.
  • Track your progress: Seeing the progress you’ve made on a task or project can be motivating and help you stay on track. With task management software, you can see what you’ve accomplished and what still needs to be done.

In conclusion, task management software is a crucial tool for PhD students looking to stay organized and productive. Whether you’re working on a team or just trying to manage your personal tasks, Trello and Asana offer an easy and efficient way to keep your projects organized and get things done.

Top 10 task management softwares

Here are the top 10 task management software:

  • Asana – a comprehensive task management platform that allows you to manage projects, collaborate with team members, and set deadlines.
  • Trello – a visual task management tool that allows you to organize tasks into cards and boards.
  • Todoist – a to-do list app that allows you to manage your tasks and projects, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members.
  • Wunderlist – a to-do list app that allows you to create tasks, set reminders, and collaborate with team members.
  • Any.do – a to-do list app that allows you to manage your tasks, set reminders, and prioritize your work.
  • ClickUp – a task management tool that allows you to manage tasks, projects, and team work in one place.
  • Monday.com – a project management tool that allows you to manage tasks, projects, and team work, and visualize progress.
  • Smartsheet – a task management and collaboration tool that allows you to manage tasks, projects, and team work in a spreadsheet-like interface.
  • Todo Cloud – a to-do list app that allows you to manage your tasks, set reminders, and prioritize your work.
  • Airtable – a task management tool that combines the features of a spreadsheet with a database to allow you to manage tasks, projects, and team work.

These task management software tools can help you stay organized, prioritize your work, and manage projects effectively. By using a combination of these tools, you can create a personalized workflow that helps you get things done and achieve your goals.

Top 10 Time Management Tools

Here are the top 10 time management software:

  • Toggl – a simple time tracking tool that allows you to track time spent on tasks, projects, and clients.
  • RescueTime – a time management software that tracks the time you spend on different applications and websites to help you understand how you’re using your time.
  • Focus To-Do – a Pomodoro technique app that helps you stay focused and get things done.
  • Google Calendar – a calendar and scheduling tool that integrates with other Google apps, such as Gmail and Google Drive.
  • Remember the Milk – a to-do list app that allows you to manage your tasks and projects, set reminders, and prioritize your work.

These time management software tools can help you stay organized, prioritize your work, and get things done. By using a combination of these tools, you can create a personalized workflow that helps you manage your time effectively and achieve your goals.

Top 10 Pomodoro technique apps

Here are the top 10 Pomodoro technique apps:

  • Forest – a gamified Pomodoro technique app that allows you to track your focus and grow virtual trees.
  • PomoDone – a Pomodoro technique app that integrates with other task management tools, such as Trello and Todoist.
  • Tomato Timer – a simple Pomodoro technique app that allows you to set timers for focus and breaks.
  • Toggl Focus – a Pomodoro technique app that helps you stay focused and track your time spent on different tasks.
  • Be Focused – a Pomodoro technique app that allows you to set timers for focus and breaks, and track your progress.
  • Pomodoro Time Pro – a Pomodoro technique app that allows you to set timers for focus and breaks, and track your progress.
  • Focus Keeper – a Pomodoro technique app that allows you to set timers for focus and breaks, and track your progress.
  • Focus – a Pomodoro technique app that allows you to set timers for focus and breaks, and track your progress.
  • Marinara Timer – a simple Pomodoro technique app that allows you to set timers for focus and breaks.

These Pomodoro technique apps can help you stay focused and get things done, by using the Pomodoro technique to break your work into focused work sessions and breaks. By using a combination of these apps, you can create a personalized Pomodoro technique workflow that helps you achieve your goals.

Top 10 Calendar and scheduling tools

Here are the top 10 calendar and scheduling tools:

  • Google Calendar – a free online calendar that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and share calendars with others.
  • Microsoft Outlook Calendar – an email and calendar app that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and view multiple calendars.
  • Apple Calendar – a free calendar app that comes pre-installed on Apple devices and allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and view multiple calendars.
  • Fantastical – a paid calendar app for Apple devices that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and view multiple calendars.
  • Calendly – a scheduling tool that allows you to schedule appointments and meetings with others, and integrates with other tools such as Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook Calendar.
  • Acuity Scheduling – an appointment scheduling tool that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and manage your calendar.
  • Simplybook.me – an appointment scheduling tool that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and manage your calendar.
  • ScheduleOnce – an appointment scheduling tool that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and manage your calendar.
  • Setmore – an appointment scheduling tool that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and manage your calendar.
  • Square Appointments – an appointment scheduling tool that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and manage your calendar.

These calendar and scheduling tools can help you stay organized and manage your schedule effectively. By using a combination of these tools, you can create a personalized calendar and scheduling workflow that helps you achieve your goals.

Top 10 Mind Mapping and Brainstorming Software

Here are the top 10 mind mapping and brainstorming software:

  • Xmind – a mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects.
  • MindNode – a mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects.
  • Coggle – a collaborative mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects with others.
  • MindMeister – a collaborative mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects with others.
  • Ayoa – a mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects, and also includes a task management feature.
  • MindMup – a free mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects.
  • Scapple – a mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects.
  • iMindMap – a mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects.
  • The Brain – a mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects.
  • Bubbl.us – a free mind mapping tool that allows you to create and share mind maps, brainstorm ideas, and manage projects.

These mind mapping and brainstorming software can help you generate ideas, organize your thoughts, and manage projects effectively. By using a combination of these software, you can create a personalized mind mapping and brainstorming workflow that helps you achieve your goals.

Top 10 Time Tracking Software

Here are the top 10 time tracking software:

  • Toggl – a simple time tracking tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate reports, and integrate with other tools.
  • Harvest – a time tracking and invoicing tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate invoices, and integrate with other tools.
  • Clockify – a free time tracking tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate reports, and integrate with other tools.
  • RescueTime – a time tracking tool that runs in the background of your computer and tracks your productivity, helping you understand how you spend your time.
  • Everhour – a time tracking tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate reports, and integrate with other tools.
  • TimeCamp – a time tracking tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate reports, and integrate with other tools.
  • Time Doctor – a time tracking tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate reports, and integrate with other tools.
  • Paymo – a time tracking and project management tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, manage projects, and generate invoices.
  • Tick – a time tracking tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate reports, and integrate with other tools.
  • Hours – a time tracking tool that allows you to track time on projects and tasks, generate reports, and integrate with other tools.

These time tracking software can help you manage your time effectively, understand how you spend your time, and improve your productivity. By using a combination of these software, you can create a personalized time tracking workflow that helps you achieve your goals.

Top 10 Distraction-Blocking Apps

Here are the top 10 distraction-blocking apps:

  • Forest – an app that allows you to plant virtual trees, which grow over time as you stay focused, and help you build a forest of your achievements.
  • Cold Turkey – an app that blocks distractions for a set amount of time, helping you focus and get more done.
  • Freedom – an app that blocks distractions for a set amount of time, helping you focus and get more done.
  • StayFocusd – a browser extension that blocks distracting websites, allowing you to stay focused on your work.
  • Cold Turkey Blocker – an app that blocks distractions for a set amount of time, helping you focus and get more done.
  • SelfControl – a Mac app that blocks distracting websites, allowing you to stay focused on your work.
  • Anti-Social – an app that blocks social media websites, allowing you to stay focused on your work.
  • RescueTime – an app that tracks your activity, giving you insights into how you spend your time and helps you limit distractions.
  • Hocus Focus – a Mac app that hides inactive windows, allowing you to stay focused on your work.
  • Focus To-Do – an app that combines the Pomodoro Technique with task management, helping you stay focused and get more done.

These distraction-blocking apps can help you stay focused, limit distractions, and improve your productivity. By using a combination of these apps, you can create a personalized distraction-blocking workflow that helps you achieve your goals.

Top 10 Goal Setting and Habit Tracking Apps

Here are the top 10 goal setting and habit tracking apps:

time management for phd thesis

  • Strides – a goal tracking app that helps you set and track your goals, habits, and to-dos, with detailed reports and charts.
  • Goals.com – an app that helps you set and track your goals, with detailed reports and charts, and a focus on goal setting as a process.
  • Coach.me – an app that helps you set and track your habits, with a focus on community and coaching, and a database of over 300 habits.
  • Habitica – a gamified habit tracking app that helps you set and track your habits, with a focus on gamification and a database of over 750 habits.
  • Todoist – a task management app that helps you set and track your goals and tasks, with a focus on project and task management.
  • Asana – a project management app that helps you set and track your goals and tasks, with a focus on project and task management.
  • Evernote – a note taking app that helps you set and track your goals and tasks, with a focus on note taking and organization.
  • Google Keep – a note taking app that helps you set and track your goals and tasks, with a focus on note taking and organization.
  • Wunderlist – a task management app that helps you set and track your goals and tasks, with a focus on project and task management.
  • Trello – a project management app that helps you set and track your goals and tasks, with a focus on project and task management.

These goal setting and habit tracking apps can help you set and track your goals and habits, improve your productivity, and build better habits. By using a combination of these apps, you can create a personalized goal setting and habit tracking workflow that helps you achieve your goals and build better habits.

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Tips for Completing Your PhD Thesis on Time

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Completing a PhD course is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling pursuits for academics. Recently, however, a new term arose: ABD (“All but Dissertation”). ABD refers to students who have completed their coursework and passed the exam, but have yet to complete and defend their theses. Indeed, ABD students are more common than previously thought. The PhD Completion Project revealed that the ten-year cumulative completion rate for PhD students ranges from 64% (engineering) to 49% (humanities). While not all students advance to the doctoral writing stage before dropping out, a significant portion do, based on these numbers. Leaving graduate school without finishing your thesis has psychological and occupational consequences. Completing your thesis on time is, therefore, essential for career advancement and personal growth.

Overcoming a Time Crunch

Being pressed for time will likely happen, especially if you are holding down a part-time job during your doctoral studies. The pressure to finish is greatest during the last year of your PhD and this is usually the time when conflicts and tensions arise. There are tips that can help you finish your PhD on time , even when you’re pressed for it.

  • Prepare an action plan for your last year. This will help you optimize the time that you have left and avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the things that you have to do.
  • Clarify your priorities. Ask yourself what you intend to finish first and stick to it. It may be helpful to break down your priorities into smaller and simpler tasks.
  • “The truth can wait.” That is, it is vital to start writing your doctoral thesis once you have your data, even if more can be done.
  • Know all the rules and regulations of the university. Prepare a list of all the documents and papers that you will need before you need them. This will help you avoid pitfalls in your last year.
  • Familiarize yourself with software. Producing scientific documents entails the use of specific programs, such as LaTeX. While the program may not be as easy to understand as other editors, there are marked advantages such as ease in publication and faster manipulation of images.
  • Pay attention to your career. While you may think that this is not the best time to think about your career , it is. Your career should follow suit after your doctoral studies, and focusing on what lies ahead will help you frame the current situation.

Key Tasks for Finishing Your PhD on Time

Finishing your PhD thesis on time is not as daunting as it sounds. Although many students will be pressed for time, completing your study is possible with a little ingenuity from your part.

  • First, ensure that you meet all the PhD requirements set by your institution. Never presume anything without double-checking with your institution and your supervisor. This can save you from a lot of wasted time and stress.
  • Keep a good perspective. Your peers are unlikely to read your thesis , but they are likely to read journals and articles resulting from it.
  • Contrary to what most people say, your introduction should be written last. Breaking your thesis into defined stages is important for success. On that same note, your conclusion also should be written last.
  • Get familiar with project management applications, such as Trello.
  • Buy your own laser printer. This will save you from having to rush elsewhere to have your drafts printed. It will save you time and money as well.
  • Get feedback on the entire thesis—from start to finish. Getting feedback for individual chapters is fine, but you should aim to get feedback on the entire work.
  • “Begin with the end in mind.” Make sure you know when your doctoral studies are supposed to end, and when your work will be considered as done.

Planning and Writing Your Thesis

Breaking down your tasks into manageable blocks is one way to ensure that you actually finish the entire thing. There are plenty of techniques to help you along the way, such as the 25-minute Pomodoro for academic writing. Undoubtedly, writing your thesis is at least as hard as performing the actual study, but it is never impossible. With the right tools at your disposal and a positive mindset, you can finish your PhD on time. Below is a checklist of things that you need to do to get to graduation day.

  • Draft your proposal and research design
  • Acquire IRB consent
  • Pilot study
  • Gather data and information for your study
  • Analyze your data
  • Write, write, and write some more . Ideally, aim to write for a minimum of 30 minutes a day
  • Defend your thesis

Completing your PhD paper on time is definitely possible. Knowing the tips and tricks of the trade can help you to get on your way towards a life in academia.

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Thanks for the very useful article to complete the Ph.D. thesis before the deadline. The doctorate course is very difficult for the student so the student could not able to complete the work on time. But your article helps to finish the article to complete the work for the students.

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How to Prepare a PhD Research Plan/Schedule?

PhD research plan is a structured schedule for completing different objectives and milestones during a given timeframe. Scholars are usually unaware of it. Let us find out how to prepare it. 

Between March 2021 to 2022, I read almost 15 different research proposals from students (for their projects) and only a single one, I found, with a comprehensive research plan for 3 years. Which is still not, kind of practical, probably copied from other students. 

Such entities are not known to over 90% of students, if some know that because their university asked for but unfortunately, this basic procedure lacks penetration among students. I don’t know the exact reason, but students lack a basic understanding of the research process. 

Meaning, that they don’t know or perhaps don’t complete their course work needly. PhD research requires many documents, SOPs and write-ups, before even starting it. For example, a rough research plan, research proposal, initial interview, competence screening, grant proposal and so on. 

However, the requirement varies among universities and thus knowledge regarding basic procedures often also varies among students. So I’m not blaming students but certainly, it is the fault of the university side, as well.  

When you come up with a research proposal with a research schedule or entire plant, certainly it will create a positive image and good reputation. So it is important. But how to prepare it? 

Hey, there I’m Dr Tushar, a PhD tutor and coach. In this article, we will understand how we can prepare a structured plan for the PhD research and how to execute it. 

So let’s get started.  

How to prepare a PhD research plan/schedule?

A PhD research plan or schedule can be prepared using the GANTT chart which includes a month, semester or year-wise planning of the entire PhD research work. 

First, enlist goals and objectives.

It’s not about your research objective enlisted in your proposal. I’m talking about the objectives of your PhD. Take a look at some of the objectives.

Note that these are all the objectives that should be completed during the PhD, but not limited to a specific subject. Note you have to show how you can complete or achieve each objective during the entire tenure of your work. 

And that is what the plan/schedule is all about. Next, explain the time duration. The time required to complete each goal, roughly. For example, a semester or a year to complete the course work or 4 to 8 months for completion of ethical approval. 

Now two things must be known to you, at this point in time. 

  • First, enlist the time required to complete each objective, as aforementioned. 
  • Second, what goals would you complete during each semester?

For instance, course work takes a semester to complete, but during the period a scholar can also craft their PhD research title, research proposal, ethical approval and grant proposals. 

Now it is also crucial to know that there is no time bound to complete goals, but it should be completed as you explained. Let’s say you can plant it for 3 years, 4 or even 5 years depending on the weightage of your work. 

In summary, the answer to the question of how to prepare a research plan is, 

  • Enlist your goals or objectives. 
  • Decide the time required to complete each goal.
  • Prepare a GANTT chart.  

Now you have prepared zero-date planning for your research but how to present it? The answer is a GANTT chart.   

GANTT chart for PhD research plan: 

GANTT chart is a task manager and graphical presentation of how and how many tasks are completed or should be completed against a given time duration. Take a look at the image below. 

The example of the GANTT chart.

How can you prepare one?

Open MS Excel (on Windows) or numbers (on Mac).

Enlist goals or objectives in a column. 

Enlist years (duration of PhD) in a row and bifurcate them into individual semesters. You can also prepare a month-wise plan, that’s totally up to you. In my opinion, semester-wise planning is good because research is a lengthy and time-consuming process. So monthly planning would not work. 

To make a chart more attractive and readable use colors, as I used. Now mark a ‘cell’ against a column and row showing the objective which you are going to complete in a semester. Take a look. 

After the end of this, your GANTT chart would look like this. 

A screenshot of an ideal GANTT chart.

You can prepare a month-wise planning, individual semester-wise planning and goal-wise planning etc. I will explain these things in upcoming articles on 5 different types of GANTT charts for PhD.  

Custom writing services: 

If you find difficulties in preparing a research plan, synopsis, proposal or GANTT chart. We can work on behalf of you. Our costume services are, 

  • Synopsis writing 
  • Project writing 
  • Research proposal writing 
  • Research planning and GANTT chart preparation. 

You can contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] to get more information. 

Wrapping up: 

Planning and executing a research schedule are two different things. Oftentimes, students just prepare as per the requirements and then do work as per their convenience. Then they are stuck in one place and just work around the time. 

Plan things. Make your own GANTT chart, put it on your work table or stick it on a wall so that you can see it daily. Try to achieve each goal in time. Trust me things will work and you will complete your PhD before anyone else.  

Dr Tushar Chauhan

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

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Planning your PhD research: A 3-year PhD timeline example

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Planning out a PhD trajectory can be overwhelming. Example PhD timelines can make the task easier and inspire. The following PhD timeline example describes the process and milestones of completing a PhD within 3 years.

Elements to include in a 3-year PhD timeline

The example scenario: completing a phd in 3 years, example: planning year 1 of a 3-year phd, example: planning year 2 of a 3-year phd, example: planning year 3 of a 3-year phd, example of a 3 year phd gantt chart timeline, final reflection.

Every successful PhD project begins with a proper plan. Even if there is a high chance that not everything will work out as planned. Having a well-established timeline will keep your work on track.

What to include in a 3-year PhD timeline depends on the unique characteristics of a PhD project, specific university requirements, agreements with the supervisor/s and the PhD student’s career ambitions.

For instance, some PhD students write a monograph while others complete a PhD based on several journal publications. Both monographs and cumulative dissertations have advantages and disadvantages , and not all universities allow both formats. The thesis type influences the PhD timeline.

Furthermore, PhD students ideally engage in several different activities throughout a PhD trajectory, which link to their career objectives. Regardless of whether they want to pursue a career within or outside of academia. PhD students should create an all-round profile to increase their future chances in the labour market. Think, for example, of activities such as organising a seminar, engaging in public outreach or showcasing leadership in a small grant application.

The most common elements included in a 3-year PhD timeline are the following:

  • Data collection (fieldwork, experiments, etc.)
  • Data analysis
  • Writing of different chapters, or a plan for journal publication
  • Conferences
  • Additional activities

The whole process is described in more detail in my post on how to develop an awesome PhD timeline step-by-step .

Many (starting) PhD students look for examples of how to plan a PhD in 3 years. Therefore, let’s look at an example scenario of a fictional PhD student. Let’s call her Maria.

Maria is doing a PhD in Social Sciences at a university where it is customary to write a cumulative dissertation, meaning a PhD thesis based on journal publications. Maria’s university regulations require her to write four articles as part of her PhD. In order to graduate, one article has to be published in an international peer-reviewed journal. The other three have to be submitted.

Furthermore, Maria’s cumulative dissertation needs an introduction and conclusion chapter which frame the four individual journal articles, which form the thesis chapters.

In order to complete her PhD programme, Maria also needs to complete coursework and earn 15 credits, or ECTS in her case.

Maria likes the idea of doing a postdoc after her graduation. However, she is aware that the academic job market is tough and therefore wants to keep her options open. She could, for instance, imagine to work for a community or non-profit organisation. Therefore, she wants to place emphasis on collaborating with a community organisation during her PhD.

You may also like: Creating awesome Gantt charts for your PhD timeline

Most PhD students start their first year with a rough idea, but not a well-worked out plan and timeline. Therefore, they usually begin with working on a more elaborate research proposal in the first months of their PhD. This is also the case for our example PhD student Maria.

  • Months 1-4: Maria works on a detailed research proposal, defines her research methodology and breaks down her thesis into concrete tasks.
  • Month 5 : Maria follows a short intensive course in academic writing to improve her writing skills.
  • Months 5-10: Maria works on her first journal paper, which is based on an extensive literature review of her research topic. At the end of Month 10, she submits the manuscript. At the same time, she follows a course connected to her research topic.
  • Months 11-12: Maria does her data collection.

time management for phd thesis

Maria completed her first round of data collection according to plan, and starts the second year of her PhD with a lot of material. In her second year, she will focus on turning this data into two journal articles.

  • Months 1-2: Maria works on her data analysis.
  • Months 3-7: Maria works on her second journal paper.
  • Month 7: Maria attends her first conference, and presents the results of her literature-review paper.
  • Month 8: Maria received ‘major revisions’ on her first manuscript submission, and implements the changes in Month 8 before resubmitting her first journal paper for publication.
  • Month 9: Maria follows a course on research valorisation to learn strategies to increase the societal impact of her thesis.
  • Months 9-12: Maria works on her third journal paper. She uses the same data that she collected for the previous paper, which is why she is able to complete the third manuscript a bit faster than the previous one.

time management for phd thesis

Time flies, and Maria finds herself in the last year of her PhD. There is still a lot of work to be done, but she sticks to the plan and does her best to complete her PhD.

  • Month 1: Maria starts a second round of data collection, this time in collaboration with a community organisation. Together, they develop and host several focus groups with Maria’s target audience.
  • Month 2: Maria starts to analyse the material of the focus group and develops the argumentation for her fourth journal paper.
  • Month 3: Maria presents the results of her second journal paper at an international conference. Furthermore, she helps out her supervisor with a grant application. They apply for funding to run a small project that is thematically connected to her PhD.
  • Months 4-9: Maria writes her fourth and final journal article that is required for her PhD.
  • Month 10: Maria writes her thesis introduction .
  • Month 11: Maria works on her thesis conclusion.
  • Month 12 : Maria works on the final edits and proof-reading of her thesis before submitting it.

time management for phd thesis

Combining the 3-year planning for our example PhD student Maria, it results in the following PhD timeline:

time management for phd thesis

Creating these PhD timelines, also called Gantt charts, is easy. You can find instructions and templates here.

Completing a PhD in 3 years is not an easy task. The example of our fictional PhD student Maria shows how packed her timeline is, and how little time there is for things to go wrong.

In fact, in real life, many PhD students spend four years full-time to complete a PhD based on four papers, instead of three. Some extend their studies even longer.

Furthermore, plan in some time for thesis editing, which is a legitimate practice and can bring your writing to the next level. Finding a reputable thesis editor can be challenging, so make sure you make an informed choice.

Finishing a PhD in 3 years is not impossible, but it surely is not easy. So be kind to yourself if things don’t work out entirely as planned, and make use of all the help you can get.

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50 Best Finance Dissertation Topics For Research Students

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50 Best Finance Dissertation Topics For Research Students

Finance Dissertation Made Easier!

Embarking on your dissertation adventure? Look no further! Choosing the right finance dissertation topics is like laying the foundation for your research journey in Finance, and we're here to light up your path. In this blog, we're diving deep into why dissertation topics in finance matter so much. We've got some golden writing tips to share with you! We're also unveiling the secret recipe for structuring a stellar finance dissertation and exploring intriguing topics across various finance sub-fields. Whether you're captivated by cryptocurrency, risk management strategies, or exploring the wonders of Internet banking, microfinance, retail and commercial banking - our buffet of Finance dissertation topics will surely set your research spirit on fire!

What is a Finance Dissertation?

Finance dissertations are academic papers that delve into specific finance topics chosen by students, covering areas such as stock markets, banking, risk management, and healthcare finance. These dissertations require extensive research to create a compelling report and contribute to the student's confidence and satisfaction in the field of Finance. Now, let's understand why these dissertations are so important and why choosing the right Finance dissertation topics is crucial!

Why Are Finance Dissertation Topics Important?

Choosing the dissertation topics for Finance students is essential as it will influence the course of your research. It determines the direction and scope of your study. You must make sure that the Finance dissertation topics you choose are relevant to your field of interest, or you may end up finding it more challenging to write. Here are a few reasons why finance thesis topics are important:

1. Relevance

Opting for relevant finance thesis topics ensures that your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and addresses contemporary issues in the field of Finance. Choosing a dissertation topic in Finance that is relevant to the industry can make a meaningful impact and advance understanding in your chosen area.

2. Personal Interest

Selecting Finance dissertation topics that align with your interests and career goals is vital. When genuinely passionate about your research area, you are more likely to stay motivated during the dissertation process. Your interest will drive you to explore the subject thoroughly and produce high-quality work.

3. Future Opportunities

Well-chosen Finance dissertation topics can open doors to various future opportunities. It can enhance your employability by showcasing your expertise in a specific finance area. It may lead to potential research collaborations and invitations to conferences in your field of interest.

4. Academic Supervision

Your choice of topics for dissertation in Finance also influences the availability of academic supervisors with expertise in your chosen area. Selecting a well-defined research area increases the likelihood of finding a supervisor to guide you effectively throughout the dissertation. Their knowledge and guidance will greatly contribute to the success of your research.

Writing Tips for Finance Dissertation

A lot of planning, formatting, and structuring goes into writing a dissertation. It starts with deciding on topics for a dissertation in Finance and conducting tons of research, deciding on methods, and so on. However, you can navigate the process more effectively with proper planning and organisation. Below are some tips to assist you along the way, and here is a blog on the 10 tips on writing a dissertation that can give you more information, should you need it!

1. Select a Manageable Topic

Choosing Finance research topics within the given timeframe and resources is important. Select a research area that interests you and aligns with your career goals. It will help you stay inspired throughout the dissertation process.

2. Conduct a Thorough Literature Review

A comprehensive literature review forms the backbone of your research. After choosing the Finance dissertation topics, dive deep into academic papers, books, and industry reports, gaining a solid understanding of your chosen area to identify research gaps and establish the significance of your study.

3. Define Clear Research Objectives

Clearly define your dissertation's research questions and objectives. It will provide a clear direction for your research and guide your data collection, analysis, and overall structure. Ensure your objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

4. Collect and Analyse Data

Depending on your research methodology and your Finance dissertation topics, collect and analyze relevant data to support your findings. It may involve conducting surveys, interviews, experiments, and analyzing existing datasets. Choose appropriate statistical techniques and qualitative methods to derive meaningful insights from your data.

5. Structure and Organization

Pay attention to the structure and organization of your dissertation. Follow a logical progression of chapters and sections, ensuring that each chapter contributes to the overall coherence of your study. Use headings, subheadings, and clear signposts to guide the reader through your work.

6. Proofread and Edit

Once you have completed the writing process, take the time to proofread and edit your dissertation carefully. Check for clarity, coherence, and proper grammar. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported, and eliminate any inconsistencies or repetitions. Pay attention to formatting, citation styles, and consistency in referencing throughout your dissertation.

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Finance Dissertation Topics

Now that you know what a finance dissertation is and why they are important, it's time to have a look at some of the best Finance dissertation topics. For your convenience, we have segregated these topics into categories, including cryptocurrency, risk management, internet banking, and so many more. So, let's dive right in and explore the best Finance dissertation topics:

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Cryptocurrency

1. The Impact of Regulatory Frameworks on the Volatility and Liquidity of Cryptocurrencies.

2. Exploring the Factors Influencing Cryptocurrency Adoption: A Comparative Study.

3. Assessing the Efficiency and Market Integration of Cryptocurrency Exchanges.

4. An Analysis of the Relationship between Cryptocurrency Prices and Macroeconomic Factors.

5. The Role of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) in Financing Startups: Opportunities and Challenges.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Risk Management

1. The Effectiveness of Different Risk Management Strategies in Mitigating Financial Risks in Banking Institutions.

2. The Role of Derivatives in Hedging Financial Risks: A Comparative Study.

3. Analyzing the Impact of Risk Management Practices on Firm Performance: A Case Study of a Specific Industry.

4. The Use of Stress Testing in Evaluating Systemic Risk: Lessons from the Global Financial Crisis.

5. Assessing the Relationship between Corporate Governance and Risk Management in Financial Institutions.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Internet Banking

1. Customer Adoption of Internet Banking: An Empirical Study on Factors Influencing Usage.

Enhancing Security in Internet Banking: Exploring Biometric Authentication Technologies.

2. The Impact of Mobile Banking Applications on Customer Engagement and Satisfaction.

3. Evaluating the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Internet Banking Services in Emerging Markets.

4. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Customer Perception and Adoption of Internet Banking.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Microfinance

1. The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty Alleviation: A Comparative Study of Different Models.

2. Exploring the Role of Microfinance in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs.

3. Assessing the Financial Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions in Developing Countries.

4. The Effectiveness of Microfinance in Promoting Rural Development: Evidence from a Specific Region.

5. Analyzing the Relationship between Microfinance and Entrepreneurial Success: A Longitudinal Study.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Retail and Commercial Banking

1. The Impact of Digital Transformation on Retail and Commercial Banking: A Case Study of a Specific Bank.

2. Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in Retail Banking: An Analysis of Service Quality Dimensions.

3. Analyzing the Relationship between Bank Branch Expansion and Financial Performance.

4. The Role of Fintech Startups in Disrupting Retail and Commercial Banking: Opportunities and Challenges.

5. Assessing the Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on the Performance of Retail and Commercial Banks.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Alternative Investment

1. The Performance and Risk Characteristics of Hedge Funds: A Comparative Analysis.

2. Exploring the Role of Private Equity in Financing and Growing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

3. Analyzing the Relationship between Real Estate Investments and Portfolio Diversification.

4. The Potential of Impact Investing: Evaluating the Social and Financial Returns.

5. Assessing the Risk-Return Tradeoff in Cryptocurrency Investments: A Comparative Study.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to International Affairs

1. The Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on International Trade: A Case Study of a Specific Industry.

2. Analyzing the Effectiveness of Capital Controls in Managing Financial Crises: Comparative Study of Different Countries.

3. The Role of International Financial Institutions in Promoting Economic Development in Developing Countries.

4. Evaluating the Implications of Trade Wars on Global Financial Markets.

5. Assessing the Role of Central Banks in Managing Financial Stability in a Globalized Economy.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Sustainable Finance

1. The impact of sustainable investing on financial performance.

2. The role of green bonds in financing climate change mitigation and adaptation.

3. The development of carbon markets.

4. The use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decision-making.

5. The challenges and opportunities of sustainable Finance in emerging markets.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Investment Banking

1. The valuation of distressed assets.

2. The pricing of derivatives.

3. The risk management of financial institutions.

4. The regulation of investment banks.

5. The impact of technology on the investment banking industry.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Actuarial Science

1. The development of new actuarial models for pricing insurance products.

2. The use of big data in actuarial analysis.

3. The impact of climate change on insurance risk.

4. The design of pension plans that are sustainable in the long term.

5. The use of actuarial science to manage risk in other industries, such as healthcare and Finance.

Tips To Find Good Finance Dissertation Topics 

Embarking on a financial dissertation journey requires careful consideration of various factors. Your choice of topic in finance research topics is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the entire research process. Finding a good financial dissertation topic is essential to blend your interests with the current trends in the financial landscape. We suggest the following tips that can help you pick the perfect dissertation topic:

1. Identify your interests and strengths 

2. Check for current relevance

3. Feedback from your superiors

4. Finalise the research methods

5. Gather the data

6. Work on the outline of your dissertation

7. Make a draft and proofread it

In this blog, we have discussed the importance of finance thesis topics and provided valuable writing tips and tips for finding the right topic, too. We have also presented a list of topics within various subfields of Finance. With this, we hope you have great ideas for finance dissertations. Good luck with your finance research journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i research for my dissertation project topics in finance, what is the best topic for dissertation topics for mba finance, what is the hardest finance topic, how do i choose the right topic for my dissertation in finance, where can i find a dissertation topic in finance.

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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh is shown with other faculty in a small room where she defended her thesis.

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Graduate Profile: Oorja Joshi, MDiv ‘24

Oorja Joshi, MDiv ‘24

Memorable Moment 

The time I spent with HDS Muslims in my first year—going apple picking when we barely knew each other, celebrating Eid together, going to the nearby ocean towns, and all the chai times. 

A second moment is when Professor Rivera said yes to being my thesis advisor.  

And some of the best adventures I've had were with Eve, Coco, Fatima, Minahil, Nathan, Mayank, and Hamza. 

Message of Thanks 

There are so many people to thank. 

I would like to deeply thank my parents Akhilesh ji and Archana ji for supporting me to be here, my teachers—Professor Mayra Rivera, Professor Kimberley Patton, Professor Teren Sevea, Dr. Aaliyah El-Amin, and Professor Melissa Kelley—who I am indebted to for their teaching that opened my heart and mind even more to this world. I am very grateful for the support and teachings of my chaplain mentor Reverend Amy Fisher, and the graduate students Asma and Nazma who worked with me at SU Interfaith Center! 

I am very thankful for the love and care of my friends Eve (and Coco!), Auds, Shir, Alejandra, Minahil, Fatima, Sana, Mayank, Nathan, Fawaz, Souman, Bilal, my other Sana, Akhil, Emily, Rebecca, Michael, Azka, Hamza and so many more friends I made in the area, at HGSE, and at Boston College! 

What I hope to be remembered by 

I hope to be remembered by joyful energy, care, enthusiasm for spontaneous hanging out, love for the ocean, and always being up for creative play and fun! :) 

Future Plans 

I hope that wherever I am led, I can keep creating intergenerational communities of care, based in decolonial ethics! And that I can keep learning to love boundlessly from the ocean and the Sun. 

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Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

  • PhD defence: Effect of...

PhD defence: Effect of milk protein and whey permeate in large quantity lipidbased nutrient supplement

On growth and early child development among children with stunting in uganda .

child Africa

Joseph Mbabazi

Background:  Stunting affects 22% of children under 5 years globally, putting them at risk of adverse outcomes including delayed development. Nearly half of the children in low- and middle-income country settings (LMICs) are affected with 43% unable to attain their developmental potential. There are possible benefits for growth and early child development (ECD) by including milk in food supplements for undernourished children. However, the effect of individual milk ingredients is still unclear.

Objective: We assessed the effect of milk protein (MP) vs soy protein, and whey permeate (WP) vs maltodextrin, in large quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), and LNS itself vs no supplementation on growth and ECD among 12 – 59-month-old children with stunting. The baseline correlates, and predictors of change in ECD were also examined.

Methods: This study was nested within the MAGNUS trial (ISRCTN1309319) a randomized, double-blind, 2x2 factorial community-based trial in Uganda. Children were randomized to one of four formulations of LNS (~535 kcal/d), with or without MP (n=299 vs n=301), with or without WP (n=301 vs n=299), for 12 weeks or to no supplementation (n=150). Growth was measured by changes in length/height and weight plus changes in body composition.

Development was assessed using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT). Age adjusted MDAT z-scores were generated internally for the study sample across four domains of gross and fine motor, language and social skills, plus a summative total score. The effects of interventions were analysed based on intention-to-treat using linear mixed-effects models while linear regression was used to assess any linear relationship unless otherwise.

Results: Between February to September 2020, 750 children were enrolled with a median [interquartile range] age of 30 [23; 41] months. Their mean (±standard deviation) height-forage z-score (HAZ) was -3.02 ±0.74, there were 13% (n=95) currently breastfed children, slightly over half (n=415) resided in rural settings, and 21% (n=157) were from female-headed households, and 47% (n=338) of the mothers had no schooling. Only 4% (n=33) of the households were food secure with a quarter (n=196) eating a diverse diet. There were 98% (n=736) of children, evenly distributed among groups, who completed the 12-week follow-up. Eleven serious adverse events occurred to 1.3% (n=10) of the children which mainly included hospitalization due to illness (malaria and anaemia). All of these were deemed unrelated to the interventions.

Among the unsupplemented children, there was a decline of 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02; 0.10) HAZ with an increase of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.20; 0.39) kg/m2 fat mass index (FMI), and decline of 0.06 (95% CI: -0.002; 0.12) kg/m2 fat-free mass index (FFMI). There were no interactions between effects of MP and WP. Neither MP nor WP had any effect on growth or ECD, but, LNS irrespective of milk ingredients vs no LNS improved growth, including head circumference. Overall, LNS itself led to 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42; 0.70) cm greater height increment, corresponding to 0.17 (95% CI: 0.13; 0.21) greater HAZ increment, and 0.21 (95% CI: 0.14; 0.28) kg greater weight gain, of which 76.5% (95% CI: 61.9; 91.1) was fat-free mass (FFM). In addition, LNS itself resulted in 0.07 (95% CI: 0.004; 0.14) cm greater increase of head circumference.

The degree of stunting [HAZ (0.24, 95% CI: 0.14; 0.33)], head circumference (0.07, 95% CI:0.02; 0.12), and stimulation were positively associated with total MDAT z-score. On the contrary, current breastfeeding (-0.41, 95% CI: -0.65; -0.17), and having a single income earner (-0.22, 95% CI: -0.37; -0.06) were negatively associated with total MDAT z-score. Furthermore, stunting severity (moderate vs severe), higher fat-free mass, negative malaria test and no inflammation (serum α-1-acid glycoprotein <1 g/l) at baseline, predicted greater increase in ECD. On the contrary, older age and fat mass gain predicted lesser increase in ECD scores over time among children with stunting.

Conclusion: This study found that milk ingredients in LNS had no effects on growth or ECD among already stunted children. However, LNS in itself vs no supplementation resulted in improved linear catch-up growth, accretion of fat-free but not fat mass, and a larger increase of head circumference. In contrast, unsupplemented children continued on a stunting trajectory, and mainly gained fat at the expense of FFM. Smaller and anaemic children tended to be breastfed longer, perhaps explaining the association between current breastfeeding and low ECD scores by reverse causality. In view of the consequences without action, nutrition supplementation programs to treat children with stunting should be considered. The correlates and predictors of ECD identified in this study may inform future initiatives to support children with stunting to attain their developmental potential. There is a need to emphasize timeliness of interventions, focusing on younger children, promoting continued breastfeeding, and fat-free, rather than fat mass accretion. This should include ensuring an infection-free and stimulative home environment to promote improvement in ECD among children with stunting in LMICs.

2024, 172 pages.

28 May 2024, 08:00

MakCHS Conference Room, Makerere University, Uganda.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92964651207?pwd=TTFGc2tCcmVKdWNnS0g4T1ZwcVV1UT09

Meeting ID: 929 6465 1207 Passcode: 643748

Professor Jay Berkley, Oxford University, London – United Kingdom, Welcome Trust KEMRI, Kenya.

Professor Annettee Olivia Nakimuli, Dean, School of Medicine, MakCHS, Uganda (Chair).

Supervisors

Associate Professor Ezekiel Mupere, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda.

Associate Professor Nicolette Nabukeera-Barungi, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences.

Professor Henrik Friis, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Nutrition and Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Associate Professor Mette Frahm Olsen, Department of Infectious Diseases, Righospitalet and Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Nutrition and Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Time: 28 May 2024, 8:00

Place: MakCHS Conference Room, Makerere University, Uganda, and Online

Organizer: Makerere University, Uganda and University of Copenhagen, Denmark

IMAGES

  1. PPT

    time management for phd thesis

  2. Sample Dissertation Timeline

    time management for phd thesis

  3. 6: Thesis Timeline Planning

    time management for phd thesis

  4. Time management Tips for thesis writing

    time management for phd thesis

  5. Thesis Gantt Chart For Research

    time management for phd thesis

  6. How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

    time management for phd thesis

VIDEO

  1. 10 ways to improve time management during the thesis writing process

  2. Part time phd versus full time phd what is better ?

  3. PhD Admission Notification Spring 2024

  4. Testimonial

  5. Master Your Time: Proven Strategies for Effective Time Management

  6. Mastering Time Management: PhD vs. Business

COMMENTS

  1. PDF Time Management Tips for Dissertation Writing

    Vertically, list the hours that you are awake during the day. Then, create a grid by drawing lines so that cells exist for each of these hours in each day. Mark when you will get your dissertation and non-dissertation tasks done. Be sure to allow time for leisure and social activities as well.

  2. Planning the timeline and progress of your doctoral dissertation (or

    The Gantt chart is a technique I learned in graduate school when I took project management courses. This is a hypothetical Gantt chart for my doctoral student, covering about 15 months. What I suggested to her was to use backcasting techniques to plan backwards from her goal (PhD thesis defense) to intermediate goals.

  3. Dissertation plan

    Limit the distraction during your blocked writing time in order to fully concentrate. Set a daily goal. For example, writing 2 pages each day on chapter 1 or finishing the method session on chapter 2, etc. Find a place that you find yourself most productive and efficient, and write there. Monitor your progress by calendars and project ...

  4. Taking Control of Your PhD: Time Management

    Step 6: know when you're going to take a break. Make sure you build in the time for non-PhD related activities that will help re-energise you and give you a bit of time away from the screen. Ideally, these should provide a chance for your body to move around, whether that involves yoga, running or just a walk in nature.

  5. PDF Time Management Tips for Writing a Graduate Thesis

    How to Utilize Time Management While Writing your Graduate Thesis: 1. Decide when you will use your thesis hours weekly. A thesis is an independent project, so it is important that you set aside a specific time to work on it weekly (or even daily). Take a good look at your weekly schedule, then schedule a few "thesis hours" you can

  6. 6 Tips for Dissertation Time Management

    Do your research. Start with making a list of sources you want to use in your dissertation. Use suggestions from your supervisor and go to your university library to see what books it has on the topic. Also use online resources: Google Scholar is a good place to search for these. The next step is to start reading your sources, making sure to ...

  7. Five Time Management Tips for PhD Students

    Time management tips. Find a routine. If you don't have a daily routine, it may be all too tempting to get into bad habits (like staying up until the early hours and then sleeping in until midday). Set yourself a time to wake up each day, and then do your best to stick to it. This will help you to save time when you might be tempted to dither ...

  8. How to tackle the PhD dissertation

    How to tackle the PhD dissertation. Finding time to write can be a challenge for graduate students who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Mabel Ho provides some tips to make the process less daunting ... This is a valuable opportunity to hone your time management and task prioritisation skills. Find out what works for you and put ...

  9. Time Management Top tips for PhD students

    Jamie Khoo PhD student York University provides key time management tips for PhD students to ensure a research/life balance ... Module 1: Writing an effective PhD thesis. Charlesworth Author Services 02/03/2021 00:00:00. Bitesize webinar: Effective paper writing for early career researchers: Module 2: Writing an effective masters' dissertation.

  10. Time Management for your Doctorate

    10:00-12:00, Microsoft Teams. Monday 15 May 2023. 14:00-16:30, South Kensington. Effectively managing your time during your Doctorate is essential to submit the thesis on time. Self-sabotage behaviours are common in PhD researchers. Recognising and avoiding or minimising your self-sabotage behaviours is key to effective time management.

  11. How to Manage Your PhD Timeline for Smoother Research Completion

    Milestone 7: Once the external expert/s reviews and approves the value, logic, and results of the doctoral thesis, the doctoral office allows the PhD candidate to take the thesis defense as the next course. In this defense, PhD candidates must pass a 2.5-3-hour oral examination based on their thesis in front of the doctoral examination panel.

  12. Productivity and Time Management Tips for PhD Students

    Top 10 productivity and time management tips. 1. Prioritise. We all have competing tasks, some important, some urgent. To boost one's productivity and manage time well, PhD students should create a list of their priority tasks, on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis.

  13. Doing a PhD on the Side: The Importance of Time Management

    This time management dilemma is an important skill for all PhD students, but it's even more important for part-time researchers. In fact, it's the number 1 area I support part-time research students with. Master time management, and you're halfway on your journey to doctoral achievement. This is easier said than done.

  14. 11 Proven Time Management Tips for PhD Students

    1. Know your key study milestones and their deadlines. The first step towards effective time management is identifying the key milestones in your study life and when to accomplish them. Understand when your assignments are due, when you must complete your coursework, research, and writing, and when you need to defend your dissertation.

  15. Time Management Tips When Writing a PhD Thesis

    Here are some tips on how to manage your time effectively - and make real progress - when writing a PhD thesis: Make Daily Progress. Many doctoral students believe that setting aside an entire afternoon to write and conduct experiments is the best way to go about working on your PhD thesis. The downside to this method, however, is the unknown.

  16. 20 Tried and Tested Time Management Tools for Academics

    Often overlooked as a time management tool to use, Google Calendar can provide a basic solution for those avoiding the learning curve of using a new tool. With Google Calendar, you can block out time for each activity you need to complete, and coordinate them by color for easy categorization. Price: Free. 8. Pomodairo.

  17. Time Management & Productivity Tools For PhD Students ...

    These time management software tools can help you stay organized, prioritize your work, and get things done. By using a combination of these tools, you can create a personalized workflow that helps you manage your time effectively and achieve your goals. ... PhD Thesis and Paper Writing with the Best AI Tools; Fulbright-Nehru Master's ...

  18. Day 25: a PhD time management tip

    https://jameshaytonphd.comTime management is obviously very important in a PhD, but when it goes wrong, your plan can become a burden rather than a tool that...

  19. Tips for Completing Your PhD Thesis on Time

    Gather data and information for your study. Analyze your data. Write, write, and write some more. Ideally, aim to write for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Defend your thesis. Finish. Completing your PhD paper on time is definitely possible. Knowing the tips and tricks of the trade can help you to get on your way towards a life in academia.

  20. How to Prepare a PhD Research Plan/Schedule?

    A PhD research plan or schedule can be prepared using the GANTT chart which includes a month, semester or year-wise planning of the entire PhD research work. First, enlist goals and objectives. It's not about your research objective enlisted in your proposal. I'm talking about the objectives of your PhD.

  21. Planning your PhD research: A 3-year PhD timeline example

    Example: Planning year 2 of a 3-year PhD. Maria completed her first round of data collection according to plan, and starts the second year of her PhD with a lot of material. In her second year, she will focus on turning this data into two journal articles. Months 1-2: Maria works on her data analysis.

  22. PDF TIME MANAGEMENT IN ONLINE HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES by Alice. C. Waldron

    at a graduate school of education. Results of a needs assessment suggested that online students at the institution, and students with low GPAs and male students in particular, struggled with time management in their online courses. Therefore, the second purpose of this study was to evaluate a time management intervention at the graduate school.

  23. (PDF) The Impact of Time Management on the Students ...

    Time mana gement pla ys a vital role in improving studen t's academic perfor mance and achievements. Each and. every student should have time management ability which includes setting goals ...

  24. Management and Organization Theses and Dissertations

    Theses/Dissertations from 2019. The Financial and Nonfinancial Performance Measures That Drive Utility Abandonments and Transfers in the State of Florida, Daniel Acheampong. Locating a New Collegiate Entrepreneurship Program, a Framework for a University Campus, Douglas H. Carter. Understanding Employee Engagement: An Examination of Millennial ...

  25. 50 Best Finance Dissertation Topics For Research Students

    Dissertation topics in Finance related to Investment Banking. 1. The valuation of distressed assets. 2. The pricing of derivatives. 3. The risk management of financial institutions. 4. The regulation of investment banks. 5. The impact of technology on the investment banking industry. Dissertation topics in Finance related to Actuarial Science. 1.

  26. Master of Science in Criminal Justice & Public Safety: Graduate Degrees

    Pursue a master's thesis. The MSCJPS program also offers a thesis option for students seeking advanced research careers or a doctoral degree. MSCJPS grad student Katie Heinz analyzed the toxicology reports of nearly 1,200 overdose victims in Marion County and compared that data with records from the Marion County Jail and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to identify intervention ...

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    Be the Catalyst for Organizational Change with a PhD in Organization and Management - Leadership. Change is constant. In the business world, a successful leader is one who can take new ...

  28. RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

    Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023. In 2020-2021, RIT's Graduate School met and surpassed the university's goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year.

  29. Graduate Profile: Oorja Joshi, MDiv '24

    Memorable Moment The time I spent with HDS Muslims in my first year—going apple picking when we barely knew each other, celebrating Eid together, going to the nearby ocean towns, and all the chai times. A second moment is when Professor Rivera said yes to being my thesis advisor. And some of the best adventures I've had were with Eve, Coco, Fatima, Minahil, Nathan, Mayank, and Hamza.

  30. PhD defence: Effect of milk protein and whey permeate in large quantity

    PhD defence: Effect of milk protein and whey permeate in large quantity lipidbased nutrient supplement on growth and early child development among children with stunting in Uganda Joseph Mbabazi PhD thesis. Background: Stunting affects 22% of children under 5 years globally, putting them at risk of adverse outcomes including delayed development ...